Dubai government employees will once again enjoy shorter working hours and more flexible schedules this summer, thanks to the return of the Our Flexible Summer initiative.
Running from June 29 to September 10, the programme offers reduced working hours, flexible schedules and even three-day weekends for some government employees.
The move is also likely to spark renewed debate about whether similar arrangements could eventually be adopted in the private sector. In an earlier AlArabiya report, experts suggested that Dubai’s flexible summer working model could pave the way for wider adoption of shorter workweeks across the UAE and potentially the broader GCC in the years ahead, although it may be a slow process.
Two flexible work models
Under the Our Flexible Summer initiative, government entities can choose between two different working schedules based on operational requirements.
The first group will work seven hours a day from Monday to Thursday, with a shorter four-and-a-half-hour workday on Fridays.
The second group will work eight hours a day from Monday to Thursday and enjoy a full day off every Friday, effectively creating a three-day weekend throughout the summer period.
In addition, government departments may introduce remote working arrangements where appropriate, depending on the nature of their operations and service requirements.
Focus on employee wellbeing
According to the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, the initiative is designed to enhance employee well-being without compromising productivity or service delivery.
Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of DGHR, said the programme has shown that flexible working arrangements can improve employee satisfaction while maintaining strong institutional performance.
He noted that creating people-focused workplaces remains a key priority for Dubai as it continues to develop modern government environments that support innovation, productivity and long-term sustainability.
By providing employees with more time for family, social commitments and personal wellbeing, Dubai aims to create a more attractive and future-ready workplace culture while maintaining high standards of public service.